Best Snow Shovels, and Show Shoveling Alternatives for 2019

Did you know that slips and falls account for over 1 million visits to the hospital per year? That’s no small number!

Keeping winter walkways clear and dry should be a top priority of any business in order to protect both employees and customers. The responsibility to keep sidewalks and driveways clear also falls on homeowners. In both cases, a slip or fall by another individual could result in a fracture, bone break, bruised head – and sometimes, even a lawsuit. Ouch.

Maybe you’re just sick and tired of your hum-drum snow shovel that could definitely use an upgrade. But with so many snow removal products on the market, it can be difficult to decide which will best get the job done.

In preparation for the winter weather (which is coming way too quickly) we’ve compiled a list of the best available snow shovels – and another premium removal option – based on ease of use, durability, and effectiveness. We have listed the price and supplier of each to make the research process easier as well. We hope this helps you find the best option to fit your needs!

The Garant Poly Snow Sled features an easy-to-push, light-weight design and deep sides that allow for the easy removal of large amounts of snow. Once full, loads of snow can be easily transported by tilting up the shovel and pushing to the desired destination. Users praise this shovel for its easy-to-use design that significantly reduces strain on arms, shoulders, and back.

Above all, users love the Snowplow Poly Snow Pusher for its high-quality, durable construction. This shovel will hold up against even the heaviest, wettest snowfall – no bending or breaking! While not ideal for lifting snow, it is perfect for pushing snow to the edges of driveways and other large surfaces without leaving damage. Because this shovel is so wide, it may quickly become heavy as it fills with snow.

Like the first two shovels listed, the Aerocart Snow Plow is designed for “pushing” snow rather than shoveling and lifting. Like other shovels, the push design saves shoulders and backs from excessive strain. This snow plow features an easy-to-assemble design. Because the sides of this shovel are open (no “wall” on the edge) snow begins to fall out once it becomes full, making it best for use during lighter snow falls.

This smaller shovel is designed for shoveling and lifting snow. It features an ergonomically- curved handle designed to reduce back strain. The Ames True Temper Mountain Mover is lightweight, yet sturdy. The blade of the shovel is reinforced with a sturdy strip rather than metal; this prevents damage a metal strip may inflict on cars and other sensitive surfaces.

The Ames True Temper Polypropylene Combo Shovel is not designed to be lightweight. It is perfect for breaking through hard ice and packed snow. The edge features a sturdy metal blade. The handle is slightly bent, which reduces how far you have to bend over to lift the snow.

This sidewalk ice scraper is ideal for breaking through a stubborn piece of ice (or several, more likely.) While not generally used for snow removal, it is great for clearing ice from walkways, driveways, and business entries. It comes with a forged steel blade and a strong hardwood handle. It’s a handy tool to have in addition to a shovel.

HEATED SNOW-REMOVAL OPTIONS

Now let’s check out heated snow-removal options.

A question many business and home owners have asked is “Do Heated Snow Shovels Exist?”

The idea of creating a heated snow shovel has been tossed around over the last few years, but it has not really caught on. The idea of using heat to aid in snow removal is brilliant, but in shovel form…It just doesn’t quite pan out.

One main issue would be the fact that as the snow melts in the shovel, it would become wet, heavy slush – ultimately making it way more difficult to remove.

In addition, the water left on the driveway after shoveling would likely turn to ice after being left for a few hours.

The shovel would most likely be heated through batteries in the handle. This would only add to the weight of the shovel, causing more strain to the back, arms, neck, and even heart. So that’s a no-go!

But wait! Let’s check out the heated snow-removal option that really does deliver awesome results!

7. Summerstep Snow Melting Mat – The Best Snow Shovel Alternative

Maybe you’re thinking “Honestly, I’m just sick and tired of shoveling. Are there other snow-removal options I can check out?” The answer is YES.

It’s time to consider an easier option – created with heated technology that really works!

An alternative to any snow shovel is the Summerstep Snow Melting Mat. Summerstep heated mats are designed to be left outside all winter long, can be custom made to fit any location, and will melt approximately 2 inches of snow per hour while operating! These heated mats are ideal for both residential and business applications.

These premium snow melting mats eliminate time-consuming shoveling and de-icing, reduce the risk of experiencing heart-attack triggers while shoveling, and prevent slips on ice that could cause serious injury.